Was looking for a long, new trail this summer and hiked the Cover Hollow trail; loved it. Keep in mind that this is not a 4.5 mile loop -- back and forth to your car is about 9 miles, so plan accordingly. We parked on the northern end; the first half a mile or so feature lots of side trails and are unfortunately not marked all that well, both on the trail itself and on the map. When in doubt, go with your gut and use Cedar Lake as a point of reference.We went in late August, but bugs werent too bad of an issue beyond all the spider webs on the trail. No other wildlife of note beyond frogs, some fascinating birds, and lots of turtles.

Much cleaner now. So close to town but so wild

The trail was easy to follow and the scenery was beautiful.

Its was a beautiful hike♡ seen alot of trash everywhere sadly.

The first time I visited I got very lost..I had to use my phones GPS to find my way back to my car. Its beautiful..go there. And it you get lost..use your GPS.

Nice spot. Out of the way and no crowds.

Great hike along the river.

Beautiful hiking spot. It has been years since the last time I was here, so it made the hike so much better.

A great hike with some beautiful views. Worth the ~1 lane road you take for the last mile or so before the parking area.

Challenging hiking trail! Great scenery along the lake

Beautiful place to unplug

Lovely area even on a rainy day!

Great place to go. But I was looking for to beast but they were not found.

Beautiful and very private trails.

Nature trail was entertaining and there was so many paths that you could take and enjoy. The faces of the clif edge where hardly touched and seems to be like a nice little private cavern. Great place to go camping with some great initiate views of the lake which seemed ever so peaceful while we were there. Clean but make sure to bring bug spray.

Great trails & cliffs. Over hangs are awesome! Southern Illinois at its finest

Beautiful trail! Great caves and camping if you are willing to hike in. Wonderful view of Cedar Lake. Go slow driving in to the trail head...cute dogs and kids on the road. Be kind, take your trash out.

I go here as a close to Carbondale hike but far enough to feel out in the woods! Great rocky outcrops and huge boulders to walk between.

Cool off the beaten path place to go for a secluded hike! U can also camp here.

Beautiful place. Somewhat challenging. Pay attention start of trail not well marked

A great local spot for hiking! The trails around Cedar Lake are gorgeous and offer stunning views of the lake from both below and atop the surrounding bluffs. Theres even a few spots for rock climbers! Hiking difficulty: intermediate/expert.

Not for beginners. Lots of rocks. Gorgeous views in all directions. Only negative is the trail is not marked well and it disappeared on us around the midway point/in the glade and we had to turn around. A neighbor dog joined us at the parking area and did the entire hike with us.

Never found the place, Google maps took us to a dead end road with no visible trail markers

So much to see, wet or dry.

This place is awesome! The view is stunning and really fun to climb. I would say only take this trail if you are moderately physically apt to climbing and large obstacles. Finally, if you are afraid of heights, alternative routes are available. The trails arent marked very clearlu, so be safe and careful!

Great trail, nice primitive campsite, wild mushrooms and fishing!

Never thought Id wanna camp in the caves but dang

Rocks and such

Great place, anytime of year.

I moved back to southern Illinois in 2015 and am familiarizing with the many available trails. So far this one tops my list even one step above Little Grand Canyon. Many different rock formations plus Cedar Lake adds scenic value.

It was very steep and dark in the woods, we ran into a baby rattler, seems as if it was too far to get to the lake. I may wait until it cools off alot more before going back.

One of my favorite spots to hike and climb, just watch out for mites and poison ivy

Be warry of the snakes

This is by far one of my favorite trails!

Great place for peace and quiet during the week, and fun with friends on weekends!

Good short hike

Its interesting

Gods country!!!!

Lovely.

Wu Tang

5/5 would get hazed here again